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I think I might be the only person who never degreases the chain! I only ever wipe it off a bit after a re-lube with TriFlow. When I can't stand how dirty it's become (or when my ruler shows 12 1/16") then I replace it with new.
Sheldon Brown has an interesting article about chain maintenance:
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/brandt/chain-care.html
I thought of you when I was cleaning my bike today. Well, that's not scrictly true: I thought of G&Ts, which I figured was all your fault. :p ;) :D
My housemate was told by someone in a Portland LBS that the best kind of lube depends on the climate in which you live and ride. Apparently, this person does not approve of WD-40 for the Pacific Northwest, and recommended "A.T.B. Chain Lubricant" for all season cycling here. I am sure if you went to LBS in different regions of the country and world, you'd be told a different story for every climate.
Lookin' for Boeshield T-9. Might have to go to a different lbs if I can't convince Recycled Cycles to order some for me. (Montlake Cycles carries it. So does Nashbar.) Good for PNW cold and wet weather, without clogging the cassette like White Lightning.
Someone already mentioned this but it bears repeating:
Spin Doctor Clean Machine Chain Cleaner. Comes with a plastic encasement that collects all the gunk as you clean. Intricate brushes attack the chain up down and around.
Works like a charm. I take a look after a ride to gauge how much dirt I picked up. Typically every three rides.
There are "masterlinks" you can buy for most chains. Conex (Sp?) for Shimano and Sram also makes a link. More expensive chains now come with the link pre-added. The link allows you to undo the chain without tools, take it off the bike for cleaning and return.
Generally I just use Pro-Link very carefully on my chain after doing a good dust off with a clean cloth and soft brush. I add the Pro-Link one link at a time until the chain is done and them wipe carefully. My chain tends to stay fairly clean, even on my mountain bike. If it gets really dirty, I remove it, use citrus degreaser (diluted quite a bit), then a good wipe with a clean cloth, put it back on the bike and apply Pro-Link very carefully.